South African expatriates living and working abroad are firmly in the Tax Man’s sights. Recent enhancements clearly indicate the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is increasing its focus on the importance of expatriates legally confirming the basis on which they cease their tax residency status in South Africa to benefit from a reduced income tax…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced enhancements to its record-keeping of taxpayers’ tax residency status this coming tax filing season, taking direct aim at returning South African expatriates. This move sends a clear message to expats who previously ceased tax residency that their re-entry into South Africa will now be closely monitored whilst…
It is not to say that all South Africans who have started a new life overseas – whether for an extended period or permanently – have or want to sever all ties with their country of birth. Many still have bank accounts and pension money in South Africa or may want to buy property here…
The fact that several countries abroad do not let you have a braai whenever and wherever you want, is not on its own the reason why South African expats return home after many years abroad. But when added to factors like cultural differences, the lack of traditional support structures, and the high cost of living…
Being abroad won’t save you from SARS’ collection efforts As the upcoming tax filing season approaches, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is reportedly ramping up a major initiative aimed at recovering outstanding tax debt including from taxpayers living abroad. John-Paul Fraser Team Lead: Cross Border Taxation Mbalenhle Mahlaba Expatriate Tax Specialist Dubbed by insiders…
Only two months into the new tax year, many South Africans have again dipped into their retirement fund Savings Pot, after also making a withdrawal in the previous six months. John-Paul Fraser Team Lead: Cross Border Taxation Retirement fund administrators represented on the Retirement Matters Committee of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), reported…
On 8 April 2025, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced a set of updates on tax directive system changes which will impact South Africans who have already left the country or are in the process of cutting tax ties. This will come into full force on 11 April 2025. John-Paul Fraser Team Lead: Cross…
Many South African expatriates have unknowingly missed out on paying lower taxes in South Africa for years while living abroad, due to confusing or misguided advice that they must reside outside the country for a number of years before officially ceasing tax residency in South Africa. John-Paul Fraser Team Lead: Cross Border Taxation A South…
A misunderstanding of certain sections in the Income Tax Act has many South Africans who moved abroad and ceased tax residency, worried that they will also be liable to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the withdrawal of their retirement funds, in addition to the tax levied as per SARS’ Tax Tables. Mbalenhle Mahlaba Expatriate…
The ever-present talk of imposing a wealth tax on South Africans as a source of revenue has resurfaced after National Treasury’s plan to collect an additional R58 billion mainly from higher VAT in the 2025/26 financial year, was stopped in its tracks with the postponement of the National Budget. Business Day quoted “senior officials aligned…
Planning to Emigrate in the New Year? Start Preparing Now Before the Festive-Season Slowdown Hits10/12/2025 - 14:12